Legal Guide for the Visual Artist

The book suggests basic strategies, gives information to help with further action, and contains many sample legal forms and contracts. This edition is a complete revision, providing not only updated legal information, but also covering the ever-increasing importance of new media and electronic rights.

Wow, all right. That may be the reason some artists may have found the book full of legalese. In my humble opinion, this is a must-have for anyone that claims oneself to be one of the ones listed above. If not this book, what else?

Starting from the minute one decides to have some "interaction" with other human beings regarding the making (or selling) of one's art, this book is of big help. For instance, an artist may decide to hire a model to paint a picture, this book will guide him/her how to prepare a model release form in order to guarantee the artist benefits of the painting created, without problems such as violation of privacy in the long run. This book is also a critical line of defense for the artists in dealing with copyrights, ownership, insurance, and tax income, etc.

My guess is that if one is simply an artist, one would read through the book (or at least sections of immediate concern, for instance, a painter would not have to worry too much about sections for photographers) and scan through the whole book for information. As far as using the book on a regular basis, I believe by frequently reviewing relevant sections, as well as making use of sample forms provided in the book, any visual artist will find this book an indispensable tool for his/her art making/selling process.

Strongly recommended.


Great Reference Guide   November 22, 2004
a reader (New York, NY USA)
10 out of 11 found this review helpful

Even if you have the luxury of an attorney that speicalizes in art contracts, as I do, this is a great book of forms to keep handy for quick reference. My advice is to get it with his other book: Business & Legal Forms for Fine Artists also by Tad Crawford


Excellent resource for artists   July 7, 2006
J. Bob (Orange County, CA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

This is an excellent resource to define and explain legal issues in the arts. It is a little dry in some parts but far easier to read than books written for the legal profession. I have been using this book as a textbook for a college class at an art school for graphic design students for several years.

The book covers copyright law and touches on legal business issues that pertain to all visual artists. The focus of the book is on fine artists but it is the best resource I have found for graphic designers.


Must have for artists!   June 29, 2007
Meg Rite (AppleBlossom)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

It's not always the most entertaining book to read (who enjoys reading about taxes?), but read through it once. Stick it on your shelf. And then whenever you need it, the book can reference you to certain government documents such as release forms, copyright forms, tax forms, consignment forms, authenticity forms, etc. There's tons of forms in the book for you to work off of when you are writing up your own agreements. Also current on laws for artists. Always keep a current edition of this book handy.


Legal Guide for the Visual Artist   March 6, 2008
D. R. Rivera (Arvada, CO USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This is the "Bible" of legal forms and information. Used early 1989 edition quite a bit. Will use this up-dated edition even more.